Pheasant hunters might be waiting, wildlife officer says

Early resident season continues through Monday

Pheasant hunters didn't exactly flock to Spink County on Saturday, the opening day of the early resident season.

"We didn't get as many people as we expected, but they may plan on coming later in the season," said Nick Cochran, a wildlife conservation officer for South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.

Timing might also have been an issue.

"There were also so many other events that people might have attended, like the Gypsy Day parade," he said.

This year will be a tougher hunting season because of heat and the high grass, Cochran said.

"(Saturday) was a great day to hunt because it cooled down and it was really nice," he said.

Hunters also might have heard the pheasant population is down and are waiting to hunt later in the season, he said.

Harsh weather and a wet spring contributed to the population decline, Cochran said.

At least 14 birds were harvested in Spink County, but Cochran said there were more that weren't counted.

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"Every hunting group that came out had a bird per person," he said.

Brown County had very few birds on the first day, he said.

No hunting accidents were reported Saturday. Early resident pheasant season continues through Monday. The regular season begins Oct 15.

On the hunt? The American News wants to see your hunting photos from the upcoming seasons. Send us your best pheasant, deer, duck, and other photos and we will post them in our online galleries. Email your photos to digitalmedia@aberdeennews.com.